Tech news in the US, this week (CES 2025)

Briefing Document on Expectations and Predictions for CES Week 2025

I. Key Themes & Predictions:

• Ubiquitous AI: AI is predicted to be the most pervasive theme at CES 2025, integrated into almost every category of product, from PCs and TVs to home appliances. The focus is shifting from hype to demonstration of real-world value and addressing potential concerns like security flaws in AI features.
• Gaming Technology Advancements: Major developments are anticipated in PC gaming hardware, with new video cards expected from both NVIDIA and AMD. NVIDIA's new RTX 5000 series is rumored to bring significant performance boosts. AMD is expected to showcase next-generation RDNA 4 GPUs, focusing on improved ray tracing and AI capabilities.
• Satellite Communication Expansion: Following the introduction of satellite communication features in smartphones, there's an expected increase in devices leveraging satellite connectivity, including those that serve as hotspots. This includes satellite communication in mobile phones and standalone satellite communicator devices.
• Hearing Health in Audio: The success of Apple's hearing health features in AirPods Pro 2 is expected to influence other audio companies, with the potential for more flagship earbuds offering some form of hearing health tools.
• Electric Vehicle Advancement Beyond Cars: While EV car adoption is growing, electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) vehicles, such as flying taxis, are expected to be a significant presence at CES 2025 with a promise of actual launches, rather than just concepts.
• Dialog Enhancement in Soundbars: Audio enhancement features, particularly dialog boost in soundbars, are expected to be improved, with companies moving beyond basic on/off toggles and offering more nuanced adjustments to improve speech clarity.
• AI PC's: There will be a focus on AI PCs from PC makers. PC makers are expected to be pushing people towards buying new AI PCs with the new Windows OS preinstalled.

II. Notable Company Highlights:

• LG: Has already announced many products before CES, including updated QNED evo LCD TVs with AI and high refresh rates, a 45-inch bendable OLED gaming monitor, updated Gram laptops, a touchscreen microwave, and more.
• NVIDIA: Expected to reveal new RTX 5000 video cards. Founder and CEO Jensen Huang is delivering a keynote.
• AMD: Will present next-generation RDNA 4 GPUs. CEO Lisa Su will be giving a keynote
• Hyundai Mobis: To showcase a “Holographic Windshield Display”, which they claim is a world first.
• Samsung: Expected to showcase new soundbars that improve dialog enhancement features.

III. Potential Areas of Disappointment:

• AI PC Hype vs. Reality: There's a concern that the real-world usefulness of AI features in PCs might not meet the hype, especially with ongoing security concerns.
• Limited Advancement in Some Categories: Soundbar innovations, for example, have been incremental in the past, with companies largely focused on wireless tech rather than core audio enhancement features.

Thank you for listening!
-Mario Mejia